bmw E46 318i Ews problem

[wilma]

I have a 1999 E46 318i. I am having lots of problems with this car.
First it was very sluggish. Irratic idling. etc. Changed air flow meter plugs, oil filter etc. It would be better for a while and then start again. Now it was stalling and erratic idling again. I changed the air flow meter again. Drove home and car would not start again. I then got a fault code EWS 3 and read up on this which told me i need a new EWS computer box. I got secondhand one from scrap yard and when i plug it in all fault codes are gone but now i need my key to match this unit. Can this be done and how do I do it.

 

[zaleonardz]

You cannot recode an EWS, well technically not.

You need a matching computer and EWS system, so just getting another key will not help.

Have the vehicle towed to me, I have methods of sorting this out.

Where are you located ?

 

[Andrew]

Did you buy a Bosch MAF (about R2500) or did you buy a cheapie (about R900) - that would account for the poor idling.

EWS Communicates with the Transponder key and releases a code to the DME to run the engine - it also activates the relay to crank the starter.

As Leonard pointed out:

You cannot buy one from the scrapyard without the matching key and DME

I spotted a set on eBay for the equivilant of around R3000

It may be possible to code your second-hand EWS to match the DME (I can't remember how but some guys are recoding guru's) but you will first need to have your existing key programmed to work with the EWS (transponder key guys on Gumtree) - this can however lead to all sorts of other issues, incorrect mileage (stored in the LCM as well) etc

I had a problem with an e46 318 EWS yesterday (fortunately it was just the relay which I bridged out)

Take Leonard up on his offer

Good luck

 

[zaleonardz]

I have a special trick that bypasses EWS all together, which I do not care to elaborate on any futher in open forum, but I can do so.

 

[wilma]

I have a special trick that bypasses EWS all together, which I do not care to elaborate on any futher in open forum, but I can do so.

Hi Sorry. I am in Limpopo. Would be a nightmare to tow car to Boksburg.

 

[zaleonardz]

Indeed it would,

For obvious reasons, I cannot elaborate on this topic further, my deepest apology for that, but phone some BMW specialist garages in your area, I am sure somebody can help.

But just with the EWS box alone, your wasting your time unfortunatly.

 

[wilma]

I have a special trick that bypasses EWS all together, which I do not care to elaborate on any futher in open forum, but I can do so.

Leonard would you need the whole car to do this or just the computer box and keys. And what would the cost be.

 

[zaleonardz]

I need the entire car as I physically remove the EWS from the vehicle.

 

[wilma]

I need the entire car as I physically remove the EWS from the vehicle.

Hi Leonard. Thanks i came right with EWS and Cpu. Bought a whole set with key and replaced but i am still having my original problem and wonder if you can help.
First the car is sluggish nearly to the point of cutting out up 3000 refs then if i dont stop and just drive even for 3 hours it drives fine. But everytime i slow down it goes sluggish again. Now over the weekend we went for a long 6 hour drive. When we drove for about 3 hours it was a bit hessitant on the highway and my husband removed the MAF sensor which by the way was replaced with original part. Then Ok. Got to destination and at robots wanted to die again. Plugged in MAF again. Then car automatic transmission would not go into gear. After a while it gets the gear. We drove back home another 3 hours every so often it would not find gear but as soon as over 3000 refs it would be fine. Only 1st and 2nd takes a while to kick in. Do you have any idea where i should start looking.